Systems and methods for associating and verifying an association of a transducer with an imaging device

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure describes system, application, and/or methods for enabling operation of a transducer probe with a medical imaging device. An example method includes the steps of retrieving a user identification code assigned to a user associated with an imaging device, retrieving a transducer identification code of a transducer probe from a memory of the transducer probe responsive to connecting the transducer probe to the imaging device, generating a temporary digital key based on the user identification code and the transducer identification code, retrieving a stored digital key from the memory of the transducer probe, verifying an association of the transducer probe including comparing the stored digital key with the temporary digital key, enabling operation of the transducer probe with the imaging device if the stored digital key matches the temporary digital key.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 15/772,973,filed May 2, 2018, now U.S. Pat. No. 11,103,212, which is the U.S.National Phase application under 35 U.S.C. § 371 of InternationalApplication No. PCT/IB2016/056243 filed on Oct. 18, 2016, which claimsthe benefit of Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/253,716, filed Nov.11, 2015. These applications are hereby incorporated by referenceherein.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates generally to medical imaging systems. Atypical imaging system, such as an ultrasound system, includes atransducer probe which is removably connected to an imaging device. Thisenables the use of different transducer probes with the same imagingdevice as well as use of the same transducer probe with differentimaging devices. While this may be advantageous in some situations, theremovable coupling between the transducer and imaging device may allowfor the theft or unauthorized use of a transducer.

In particular, advancements in ultrasound imaging systems have reducedthe size of transducer probes and/or cables used to connect the probesto the imaging device. In some modern digital imaging systems,significantly smaller and thinner cables may be used to connect atransducer probe, having typically smaller form factor, to the imagingdevice. The reduced size of the transducer probes and/or cables mayincrease the risk of theft or unauthorized use of a transducer.Additionally, newer ultrasound imaging systems may be configured suchthat the cable connecting the probe to the imaging device may bedisconnected not only from the imaging device side but from the probeside as well, thus increasing the risk of theft of a transducer.Improved techniques for enhancing security and reducing the risk oftheft of transducer probes may thus be desirable.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to an illustrative embodiment of the invention, a method mayinclude the steps of retrieving a user identification code assigned to auser associated with an imaging device, retrieving a transduceridentification code of a transducer probe from a memory of thetransducer probe responsive to coupling the transducer probe to theimaging device, generating a temporary digital key based on the useridentification code and the transducer identification code, retrieving astored digital key from the memory of the transducer probe, verifying anassociation of the transducer probe including comparing the storeddigital key with the temporary digital key, and enabling operation ofthe transducer probe with the imaging device if the stored digital keymatches the temporary digital key

In some examples, the method may further include the steps of deletingthe temporary digital key from the imaging device following theverifying step and/or deleting the temporary digital key from theimaging device when the transducer probe is disconnected form theimaging device, when the imaging device is powered down, or whenexecution of an imaging application on the imaging device is terminated.In some examples, the method may further include the step of generatingan alert if the temporary digital key does not match the stored digitalkey.

In some examples, the method may further include the step of associatingthe transducer probe with the imaging device. The step of associatingthe transducer probe with the imaging device may include the steps ofretrieving the user identification code from a remote server wirelesslycoupled to the imaging device responsive to coupling the transducerprobe to the imaging device, storing the user identification code in thememory of the imaging device, retrieving the transducer identificationcode of the transducer probe, generating the digital key based, at leastin part, on the user identification code and the transduceridentification code, and transmitting a digital key to the transducerprobe to be stored in the memory of the transducer probe as the storeddigital key. In some examples, the step of associating the transducerprobe with the imaging device may further include the steps oftransmitting a request for the transducer identification code to theremote server, the transmitting a request for the transduceridentification code comprising transmitting a device identificationcode, a user identification code, or both to the remote server,receiving the transducer identification code from the remote server, andtransmitting the transducer identification code to the transducer probeto be stored in the memory of the transducer probe.

In some examples, the step of associating the transducer probe with theimaging device may further include the steps of transmitting a requestfor the user identification code to the remote server, the transmittinga request for the user identification code including transmitting adevice identification code to the remote server, retrieving the useridentification code from the remote server, and storing the useridentification code in a memory of the imaging device. In some examples,the step of associating the transducer probe with the imaging device mayfurther include the steps of retrieving a device identification codeassociated with the imaging device from the memory of the imaging deviceresponsive to coupling the first transducer to the imaging device, andgenerating the digital key based further on the device identificationcode retrieved from the memory of the imaging device. In some examples,the method may further include the step of storing the digital key, thetemporary digital key, or both, only in volatile memory of the imagingdevice.

According to another illustrative embodiment of the invention, a medicalimaging system may include an imaging device configured to be removablyconnected to a transducer probe, the imaging device having a userinterface, a memory, and a processor coupled to the user interface andthe memory, the memory including instructions for retrieving a useridentification code assigned to a user associated with the imagingdevice, retrieving a transducer identification code of a transducerprobe responsive to connecting the transducer probe to the imagingdevice, generating a temporary digital key based, in part, on the useridentification code and the transducer identification code, retrieving astored digital key from a memory of the transducer probe, verifying anassociation of the transducer probe with the imaging device, andenabling operation of the transducer probe with the imaging device ifthe stored digital key matches the temporary digital key.

In some examples, the imaging device further includes instructions fordeleting the temporary digital key from the imaging device upon theoccurrence of an event. In some examples, the imaging device furtherincludes instructions for generating the digital key and transmittingthe digital key to the transducer probe to be stored thereon as thestored digital key. In some examples, the imaging device is configuredto store the temporary digital key, the digital key, or both, only involatile memory of the imaging device. In some examples, the imagingdevice further includes instruction for generating an alert if thetemporary digital key does not match the stored digital key. In someexamples, the imaging device further includes instruction for generatingthe digital key based further on a device identification code of theimaging device.

In some examples, the system may further include the transducer probe,wherein the transducer probe may include a USB connector for couplingthe transducer probe to the imaging device. In some example, the memoryof the transducer probe may include a first stored digital key based onthe user identification code, the transducer identification code, and afirst imaging device identification code, and a second stored digitalkey based on the user identification code, the transducer identificationcode, and a second imaging device identification code. In some examples,the imaging device may further include instructions for comparing thetemporary digital key with first stored digital key and if the temporarydigital key does not match the first stored digital key, comparing thetemporary digital key with the second stored digital key. In someexamples, the system may further include a server and the imaging devicemay be wirelessly connected to the server. The imaging device mayfurther include instructions for retrieving the user identification codefrom the server and storing the user identification code in the memoryof the imaging device. In some examples, the imaging device may furtherinclude instruction for retrieving the transducer identification codefrom the server and transmitting the transducer identification number tothe transducer probe to be stored in the memory of the transducer probe.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an imaging system according to embodimentsof the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an operational environment including animaging system according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a flow diagram of a verification process according to someembodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of a configuration process according to someembodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a table showing association between a number of transducerprobes and a number of imaging devices according to some embodiments ofthe present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram of a configuration process according to furtherembodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram of a verification process according to furtherembodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The following description of certain exemplary embodiments is merelyexemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention orits applications or uses. In the following detailed description ofembodiments of the present systems and methods, reference is made to theaccompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which are shownby way of illustration specific embodiments in which the describedsystems and methods may be practiced. These embodiments are described insufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice thepresently disclosed systems and methods, and it is to be understood thatother embodiments may be utilized and that structural and logicalchanges may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of thepresent system. Moreover, for the purpose of clarity, detaileddescriptions of certain features will not be discussed when they wouldbe apparent to those with skill in the art so as not to obscure thedescription of the present system. The following detailed description istherefore not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of thepresent system is defined only by the appended claims.

In one embodiment there is provided a system, application, and/or methodfor enabling operation of a transducer probe with a medical imagingdevice. In some examples, the method may include the steps of retrievinga user identification code, e.g., a user identification number, assignedto a user associated with an imaging device, retrieving a transduceridentification code of a transducer probe from a memory of thetransducer probe responsive to connecting the transducer probe to theimaging device, generating a temporary digital key based on the useridentification code and the transducer identification code, retrieving astored digital key from the memory of the transducer probe, verifying anassociation of the transducer probe including comparing the storeddigital key with the temporary digital key, enabling operation of thetransducer probe with the imaging device if the stored digital keymatches the temporary digital key. In some examples, the steps ofmethods described herein may be performed in different order or stepsmay be omitted or added.

Referring now to FIG. 1, an ultrasound imaging system 10 constructed inaccordance with the principles of the present invention is shown inblock diagram form. Although an ultrasound imaging system is shown inexplanatory examples of embodiments of the invention, embodiments of theinvention may be practiced with other medical imaging modalities. Othermodalities may include, but are not limited to, magnetic resonanceimaging and computed tomography. In the ultrasound imaging system ofFIG. 1, an ultrasound probe 12 includes a transducer array 14 fortransmitting ultrasonic waves and receiving echo information. A varietyof transducer arrays are well known in the art, e.g., linear arrays,convex arrays or phased arrays. The transducer array 14, for example,can include a two dimensional array (as shown) of transducer elementscapable of scanning in both elevation and azimuth dimensions for 2Dand/or 3D imaging. The transducer array 14 is coupled to amicrobeamformer 16 in the probe 12 which controls transmission andreception of signals by the transducer elements in the array. In thisexample, the microbeamformer is coupled by the probe cable to atransmit/receive (T/R) switch 18, which switches between transmissionand reception and protects the main beamformer 22 from high energytransmit signals. In some embodiments, the T/R switch 18 and otherelements in the system can be included in the transducer probe ratherthan in a separate ultrasound system base. The transmission ofultrasonic beams from the transducer array 14 under control of themicrobeamformer 16 is directed by the transmit controller 20 coupled tothe T/R switch 18 and the beamformer 22, which receive input from theuser's operation of the user interface or control panel 24. One of thefunctions controlled by the transmit controller 20 is the direction inwhich beams are steered. Beams may be steered straight ahead from(orthogonal to) the transducer array, or at different angles for a widerfield of view. The partially beamformed signals produced by themicrobeamformer 16 are coupled to a main beamformer 22 where partiallybeamformed signals from individual patches of transducer elements arecombined into a fully beamformed signal.

The beamformed signals are coupled to a signal processor 26. The signalprocessor 26 can process the received echo signals in various ways, suchas bandpass filtering, decimation, I and Q component separation, andharmonic signal separation. The signal processor 26 may also performadditional signal enhancement such as speckle reduction, signalcompounding, and noise elimination. The processed signals are coupled toa B-mode processor 28, which can employ amplitude detection for theimaging of structures in the body. The signals produced by the B-modeprocessor are coupled to a scan converter 30 and a multiplanarreformatter 32. The scan converter 30 arranges the echo signals in thespatial relationship from which they were received in a desired imageformat. For instance, the scan converter 30 may arrange the echo signalinto a two dimensional (2D) sector-shaped format, or a pyramidal threedimensional (3D) image. The multiplanar reformatter 32 can convertechoes which are received from points in a common plane in a volumetricregion of the body into an ultrasonic image of that plane, as describedin U.S. Pat. No. 6,443,896 (Detmer). A volume renderer 34 converts theecho signals of a 3D data set into a projected 3D image as viewed from agiven reference point, e.g., as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,530,885(Entrekin et al.) The 2D or 3D images are coupled from the scanconverter 30, multiplanar reformatter 32, and volume renderer 34 to animage processor 36 for further enhancement, buffering and temporarystorage for display on an image display 38. The graphics processor 40can generate graphic overlays for display with the ultrasound images.These graphic overlays can contain, e.g., standard identifyinginformation such as patient name, date and time of the image, imagingparameters, and the like. For these purposes the graphics processorreceives input from the user interface 24, such as a typed patient name.The user interface can also be coupled to the multiplanar reformatter 32for selection and control of a display of multiple multiplanarreformatted (MPR) images.

FIG. 2 illustrates an operational environment for a medical imagingsystem (e.g., an ultrasound imaging system) according to someembodiments of the present invention. In the operational environment 50,a transducer probe 100 may be removably coupled to an imaging device200. The imaging device 200 is configured to perform medical imagingoperations, such as ultrasound imaging. Although a single transducerprobe and a single imaging device are illustrated in FIG. 2, it will beappreciated that any number of transducer probes and/or imaging devicesmay be involved in typical operational environment, such as operationalenvironment 50.

The transducer probe 100 may include one or more of the components ofthe ultrasound imaging system described with reference to FIG. 1. Forexample, the transducer probe 100 may include a transducer array 110, amicrobeamformer 112, and a controller 114. The controller 114 may beconfigured to control, among other things, the transmission andreception of signals to and from the array 110 and microbeamformer 112.The transmission and reception of signals to and from the array 110 andmicrobeamformer 112 may be performed under the direction of input from auser's operation of a user interface 210 of the imaging device 200. Theuser interface 210 may include any known or later developed userinterface devices such as a keyboard, a cursor controller, a graphicsdisplay, and/or a touch display. In some examples, certain controlinputs may be provided via controls (not shown) on the transducer probe100.

Beamformed signals acquired with the transducer probe 100 may beprocessed by a signal processor 116 to obtain an image (e.g., ultrasonicimage). Certain processing operations may be performed by a processoronboard the transducer probe (e.g., signal processor 116), a processorof the imaging device (e.g., processor 220), or a combination thereof.In some examples, functionality of the controller 114 and signalprocessor 116 may be combined within a single processing unit. Thetransducer probe 100 includes memory 120, which may store informationgenerated during and/or used by the imaging device 200 in performingsome of the processes described herein. For example, the memory 120 maystore configuration data (e.g., FPGA configuration information) forconfiguration and/or operation of the transducer array 110. The memory120 may store information associated with authentication features of thetransducer probe 100, for example a transducer identification code 122and one or more digital keys 124, as will be further described. Thememory 120 may be any type of non-volatile memory, such as flash memory.The transducer probe 100 may also include one or more input/outputdevices 118 for connecting the transducer probe 100 to the imagingdevice. An example input/output device is a universal serial bus (USB)port. In some examples, the connection between the transducer probe andimaging device may be wireless. In some examples, the input/outputdevices 118 of the transducer probe may include a wireless communicationcircuit configured to establish a wireless connection with a wirelesscommunication circuit on the imaging device.

The imaging device 200 may include one or more of the components of theimaging system 10 in FIG. 1. For example, the imaging device 200 mayinclude a display 212 for displaying medical images thereon. In someexamples, the display may be part of the user interface 210. In someexamples, the display 212 may be configured to both provide output tothe user and receive user inputs (e.g., a touch screen).

The imaging device 200 is configured to transmit and receive signals toand from the transducer probe 100 for displaying images acquired withthe transducer probe 100. The imaging device 200 may include one or moreprocessors. The imaging device 200 may include a graphics processorwhich is configured to generate graphic overlays for display with theultrasound images. These graphic overlays can contain, for exampleidentifying information such as patient name, date and time of theimage, imaging parameters, and the like. The imaging device 200 mayinclude a probe configuration processor 222 configured to performfunctions for associating a transducer probe (e.g., transducer probe100) with the imaging device 200, as described further below. Theimaging device 200 may include a probe authentication processor 224configured to perform functions for verifying an association between theimaging device 200 and a transducer probe (e.g., transducer probe 100).Any of the graphics processor, probe configuration processor 222, andthe probe authentication processor 224 may receive input from the userinterface 210. The functionality of one or more of the processors ofimaging device 200 may be implemented in one or more separate integratedcircuits or they may be integrated into a single processor (e.g.,processor 220).

In some examples, the functionality of one or more of the processors ofimaging device 200 may be implemented in software, which when executedby processor 220 program the imaging device 200 to perform the functionsdescribed herein. For example, the imaging device 200 may includecomputer executable instructions 232 for an imaging application whichmay be stored in memory (e.g., memory 230). The computer executableinstructions 232 may include instructions for controlling imagingoperations with the transducer probe 100. The computer executableinstructions 232 may include instructions for configuring and/orauthenticating the transducer probe for use with the imaging device 200.

In one embodiment, the imaging system 200 may be implemented in aportable computing device, such as a tablet, which includes a touchdisplay, one or more memory devices, and one or more processors. Theimaging system 200 in the form of a portable computing device may becoupled to a transducer probe (e.g. transducer probe 100) having arelatively small form factor. The transducer probe may performsubstantially all of the functions necessary to produce a medical imageand transmit video signals corresponding to the medical image to theimaging system 200. The memory of imaging system 200 may store computerexecutable instructions for performing the functions described herein.For example, the imaging system 200 may include computer executableinstructions which when executed program the imaging system 200 toperform the functions of the probe configuration processor 222 and theprobe authentication processor 224, as described herein, as well asfunctions associated with controlling the transducer probe 100 anddisplaying the video signals (e.g., image data) received from thetransducer probe 100.

As described herein, the imaging device 200 may include one or morememory devices, such as memory 230, which may be non-volatile memory,and memory 250 which may be volatile memory (e.g., RAM 250). In additionto computer executable instructions, memory 230, may store certainidentification data such as a unique device identification code 236 ofthe imaging device 200 and a unique user identification code, such asuser identification number 238, of a user associated with the imagingdevice 200. The user identification code and device identification codemay collectively be referred to as identification information. In someexamples, the imaging device 200 is configured to generate temporaryauthentication information (e.g., temporary digital key 252) as will bedescribed. In some example, such temporary authentication informationmay be stored in only in volatile memory 250 and deleted upon theoccurrence of an event.

The imaging device 200 is wirelessly connected, at least during certainoperations described herein, to a remote server 280. In this regard, theimaging device 200 may include one or more wireless communicationdevices, for example a WiFi enabled transmitter/receiver 240. In someexamples, the imaging device 200 is programmed to execute a web browserapplication (also referred to as web portal) for connecting to theremote server 280. The web portal is configured to establish a securewireless connection between imaging device 200 and the remote server280. The remote server 280 includes one or more storage devices 285which store identification information as described further below. Theserver 280 is configured to receive requests from imaging devices (e.g.,imaging device 200), retrieve and/or generate identificationinformation, and store the identification information for enabling thesecurity processes described herein.

The imaging device may include one or more input/output devices 260. I/Odevice 260 of the imaging device 200 may be used for connecting thetransducer probe 100 to the imaging device 200. An example I/O device isa universal serial bus (USB) port. In some examples, the connectionbetween the transducer probe and imaging device may be wireless. In someexamples, the I/O devices 260 of the imaging device may include awireless communication circuit configured to establish a wirelessconnection with the transducer probe. In some examples, thetransmitter/receiver 240 may provide the functionality of the I/O device260.

Some or all of the components, functions or processes described abovewith reference to FIG. 2 may be implemented in the imaging systemillustrated in FIG. 1. For example, the ultrasound probe 12 may includea memory device which stores information associated with authenticationfeatures of the probe, for example a probe identification code and oneor more a digital keys, as described herein. Similar to the imagingsystem in FIG. 2, the imaging system 10 may include a probeconfiguration processor, a probe authentication processor, orcombinations thereof. Any of the processors of the imaging system 10(e.g., the configuration processor, the probe authentication processor,the signal processor, the b-mode processor, the image processor, and thegraphics processor) may be integrated into a single chip configured toperform the functions described herein.

Referring now also to FIGS. 3-7, operations of an imaging system inaccordance with embodiments of the present disclosure are described.According to some examples, a transducer probe (e.g., transducer probe100) is connected, through wired or wireless connection, to an imagingdevice (e.g., imaging device 200). The imaging device is configured toperform imaging operations using the transducer probe. The imagingdevice is configured to perform functions for associating the transducerprobe with a particular user and/or with one or more imaging devices.The imaging device is further configured to verifying an association ofthe transducer probe. In some examples, the imaging device is configuredto execute an application such as an imaging application. In furtherexamples, the imaging device is configured to execute a web portalapplication for exchanging information with a remote server (e.g.,server 280). In some examples, the imaging system is configured suchthat at least some of the information (e.g., user identification number238, transducer identification code 122, and imaging deviceidentification code 236) for use in associating the transducer probe 100with a user and/or the imaging device 200 may be available only througha connection with the server 280. In such examples, during aconfiguration process, a secure connection to the server 280 (e.g.,through a web portal) may be established to obtain the informationneeded to generate a digital key. Some or all of the functionality forassociating the transducer probe with a user and/or an imaging devicemay alternatively or additionally be performed on the server side, e.g.,via the web portal application. In some examples, the sever 280 may beconfigured to execute the web portal application for generating thedigital key, e.g., upon request from the imaging device 200. In someexamples, the server 200 may include a configuration processor similarto the configuration processor 222 described herein, which may includefunctionality for associating a transducer probe (e.g., transducer probe100) with a user and/or one or more imaging devices in accordance withthe present disclosure.

A user session of the imaging application may be initiated responsive touser inputs prior to connecting the transducer probe to the imagingdevice. In some examples, connecting the transducer probe to the imagingdevice, e.g. by plugging the transducer cable into an I/O port of theimaging device, causes an imaging application to automatically execute.Prior to performing imaging operations, one or more initializationoperations may be performed by the imaging device. For example, theimaging device may perform operations for validating system requirementsto ensure that the transducer probe connected to imaging device may beproperly operated with the particular imaging device to which thetransducer has been connected. The system requirements may correspond tominimum system capability for producing images having at least a minimumimage quality as may be set by a regulating body. Parameters such aspower demand and image processing capability of the imaging device maybe verified.

The imaging device may be configured to verify an association of atransducer probe prior to enabling operation of the transducer probewith the imaging device. FIG. 3 illustrates an example verificationprocess 300 (interchangeably referred to as authentication process)according to the present disclosure. With reference also to FIG. 2, theverification process 300 may be implemented in the probe authenticationprocessor 224 of imaging device 200. The verification process 300 mayinclude the steps of retrieving a user identification code, such as auser identification number, as shown in block 310, and retrieving atransducer identification code 122, as shown in block 315. Thetransducer identification code 122 may be a unique identifier associatedwith a particular transducer probe 100 or a class of transducer probes.Typically, the transducer identification code 122 is retrieved from thememory 120 of the transducer probe 100. In some examples, e.g., tosimplify the manufacturing process and/or expedite delivery of atransducer probe to a customer, the transducer probe 100 may be shippedfrom the manufacturer without a transducer identification codeprogrammed thereon. In such examples, the transducer identification code122 is retrieved from the remote server 280 and subsequently stored inthe memory 120 of the transducer probe 100, e.g., during a configurationprocess as will be described further below with reference to FIG. 4. Theserver 280 may be maintained by the manufacturer or a third partycontracted by the manufacturer.

During the verification process 300, the user identification code, suchas the user identification number 238, is typically retrieved from thememory 230 of the imaging device 200. The user identification number 238may be a unique ID assigned to a user associated with the imaging device200. For example, the user identification code may be a customer IDassigned, e.g., by the manufacturer of the imaging device to thepurchaser of the imaging device. The terms customer and user may thus beused interchangeably herein. Customer IDs may be stored in a databasemaintained by the manufacturer, e.g., in the storage device 285 ofserver 280, and may be provided to a requesting imaging device during aconfiguration process, as will be described further with reference toFIG. 4.

Continuing with the example verification process 300, the process mayfurther include the steps of generating a temporary digital key (block320) and retrieving a stored digital key 124 from the transducer probe(block 325). The temporary digital key 252 is generated by the imagingdevice 200 after a connection to a transducer probe is detected by theimaging device 200. The temporary digital key 252 in this example isbased on the user identification code and the transducer identificationcode 122 and is used by the imaging device 200 to verify that theparticular transducer probe connected thereto is authorized for use withthe imaging device. The stored digital key 124 is retrieved from thememory 120 of the transducer probe 100. The digital key 124 may begenerated by the imaging device 200 and stored onboard the transducerprobe 100 during a previous process, e.g., the configuration processillustrated in FIG. 4.

The association of the transducer probe 100 is verified by comparing thestored digital key 124 with the temporary digital key 252 as shown inblock 330. If the stored digital key 124 retrieved from the memory 120of the transducer probe 100 matches the temporary digital key 252generated by the imaging device 200, e.g., as shown at block 335,operation of the transducer probe 100 with the imaging device 200 isenabled, as shown at block 340. In some examples, the process 300optionally generates an alert (block 345), if the stored digital key 124does not match the temporary digital key 252. The alert may be displayedon display 212 of the imaging device 200, stored in memory 230 of theimaging device 200, and/or transmitted to the remote server 280.

One or more of the steps of process 300 may occur automatically inresponse to connecting the transducer probe 100 to the imaging device200 (as shown in block 305). The imaging device 200 may detect aconnection, wired or wireless, with the transducer probe 100 andautomatically perform one or more of the steps of process 300. Byautomatically, it is generally meant that a step is performed withoutrequiring user input to initiate the step. In other examples, userinputs may be received via the user interface 210 to direct the imagingdevice 200 to perform one or more of the steps described herein. Thetransducer probe 100 may be connected to the imaging device 200 byplugging a transducer cable to an I/O port 118 (e.g., USB port) of thetransducer probe 100 and an I/O port 260 (e.g., a USB port) of theimaging device 200. In the context of this disclosure, a USB port isunderstood to include any type of universal serial bus interfaceincluding without limitation interfaces configured for standard, mini,and micro USB type connectors. In some examples, a connection may beestablished between the transducer probe 100 and imaging device 200 viawireless communication between wireless communication circuits on thetransducer probe 100 and imaging device 200.

In some examples, the temporary digital key 252 generated by imagingdevice 200 is temporarily buffered for use during the verificationprocess and is subsequently automatically deleted following theverification steps described above. That is, in some examples, temporarydigital key 252 is stored only in volatile memory (e.g., RAM 250) ofimaging device 200 and is deleted at the end of the verificationprocess, as shown in block 350. A new temporary digital key 252 isgenerated each time a new connection with a transducer probe isdetected. In some examples, the temporary digital key 252 remains inmemory 250 until an event occurs. In some examples, the event maycorrespond to the completion of the verification process. In someexamples, the event may correspond to the transducer probe 100 beingdisconnected form the imaging device 200, terminating the execution ofan imaging application on the imaging device 200, or powering down ofthe imaging device 200.

In some examples, the imaging device 200 is further configured toperform steps for associating a transducer probe for use with theimaging device. FIG. 4 illustrates an example configuration process 400according to the present disclosure. The configuration process 400 maybe implemented in the probe configuration processor 222 of the imagingdevice. The configuration process 400 may include the steps ofretrieving the user identification code from a remote server 280wirelessly coupled to the imaging device 200, as shown in block 405, andstoring the user identification code in the memory 230 of the imagingdevice 200, as shown in block 415. The imaging device 200 may determinewhether a transducer identification code 122 is stored in the memory 120of the transducer probe 100, as shown in block 420 and if so, retrievethe transducer identification code 122 from the memory 120, as shown inblock 425. Otherwise, a transducer identification code 122 is retrievedfrom the remote server 280, as shown in block 430, and stored in thememory 120 of the transducer probe 100, as shown in block 435. One ormore of the steps of process 400 may occur automatically in response toconnecting the transducer probe 100 to the imaging device 200, as shownin block 405. In other examples, user inputs may be received via theuser interface 210 to direct the imaging device 200 to perform the stepsdescribed herein.

The example configuration process 400 may continue with the imagingdevice 200 generating a digital key 124, which is then stored in thememory 120 of the transducer probe 100. In some examples, the digitalkey 124 generated by imaging device 200 is temporarily buffered until itis transmitted to the transducer probe 100 and is subsequentlyautomatically deleted following the configuration process. That is, insome examples, digital key 124 is stored only in volatile memory (e.g.,RAM 250) of imaging device 200 and is deleted upon the occurrence of anevent. In such examples, the digital key 124 remains in memory 250 untilthe event occurs. In some examples, the event may correspond to thecompletion of the configuration process. In some examples, the event maycorrespond to the transducer probe 100 being disconnected form theimaging device 200, terminating the execution of an imaging applicationon the imaging device 200, or powering down of the imaging device 200.

The digital key 124 in the example in FIG. 4 is a type 1 digital key,which is based on the user identification code 238 and the transduceridentification code 122. In further examples, the digital key 124 may bebased on additional identification information, such as the imagingdevice identification code as will be described further below withreference to FIG. 6.

As will be appreciated, during the configuration process 400, a uniquedigital key 124 may be generated and stored onboard the transducer probe100 which associates the transducer probe 100 with one or more imagingdevices that are associated with a particular user. Referring now alsoto FIG. 5 association of an exemplary number of transducers with anexemplary number of imaging devices is described.

The stored digital key 124-a of transducer 1, which in this example isbased on a first transducer code and a first user id, associates thefirst transducer probe (transducer 1) with all of imaging devices thatmay be associated with a first user (user 1), in this example, imagingdevices 1 through 4. Thus, when the transducer probe 100 is connected toany imaging device associated with the first user (e.g., any of theimaging devices 1 through 4), operation of the first transducer probe(transducer 1) will be enabled following a verification process (e.g.,process 300) in which a temporary digital key generated by the imagingdevice and based on the first user id and the first transducer code, ismatched to the stored digital key 124-a, which is also based on thefirst user id and first transducer code. In this manner, the storeddigital key on the first transducer probe authenticates the firsttransducer probe for use with any of one or more imaging devices thatare associated with the first user. The digital key 124-a in thisexample is referred to as a type 1 key. A type 1 key associates atransducer probe with all imaging devices that are associated with agiven user.

If the first transducer probe (transducer 1) is instead connected toanother imaging device that is not associated with the first user but isinstead associated with a second user (e.g., imaging device 5), thestored digital key 124-a on the first transducer probe will not matchthe temporary digital key generated by the imaging device associatedwith the second user (e.g., imaging device 5) and operation of the firsttransducer probe with the second imaging device will not be enabled. Asfurther illustrated in FIG. 5, a second transducer probe (transducer 2)may be registered and thereby associated with a second user that ownsimaging device 5. A second user identification code is assigned, forexample by the manufacturer of the imaging device and/or transducerprobe, to the second user. During a configuration process (e.g., process400), transducer 2 is connected to imaging device 5 and a digital key124-b is generated by imaging device 5 based on the second useridentification code and the transducer identification code of transducer2 and stored on transducer 2. As indicated in the table in FIG. 5,transducer 2 is only associated with imaging devices associated withuser 1, in this example imaging device 5 and is not associated withimaging devices of other users. Thus during normal operations,transducer 2 may be authenticated for use with imaging device 5 but notwith imaging devices 1 through 4. The digital key 124-b, which is basedon the transducer identification code and the user identification code,is a type 1 key similar to key 124-a described above.

In some cases, it may be desirable to limit the association of atransducer probe to a subset of imaging devices from the group of allimaging devices associated with a given user. In some examples, such asin a hospital or university setting, a customer may own and thus beassociated with a large number of imaging devices. The customer may wishto authorize use of a particular transducer with only a subset of theimaging devices that the customer owns, e.g., for example imagingdevices dedicated to a specific lab, practice group, or classroom. Tothat end, one or more digital keys based on further identifyinginformation may be generated as described now with reference to FIG. 6.

FIG. 6 illustrates a configuration process 600 according to furtherexample of the present disclosure. The configuration process 600 may beimplemented in the probe configuration processor 222 of the imagingdevice. The configuration process 600 may include one or more of thesteps of configuration process 400. The configuration process 600 maybegin after a connection with a transducer probe 100 is detected by theimaging device 200, as shown in block 605. The process 600 may includethe steps of retrieving a user identification number 238, an imagingdevice identification code 236, and a transducer identification code122, as shown in blocks 610, 615, and 620, respectively. The imagingdevice identification code 236 may be a unique identifier of the imagingdevice 200, such as the serial number, which is typically programmedinto the imaging device 200 by the manufacturer. In some examples, theimaging device identification code 236 may be an identifier of a classof imaging devices. The imaging device identification code 236 may bestored in a memory (e.g., memory 230) of the imaging device 200. Theuser identification number 238 may be stored in the memory 230 of theimaging device, e.g., as a result of a previously performedconfiguration process, or may alternatively be retrieved from the remoteserver 280. To that end, the imaging device 200 sends a request to theremote server 280 in which the imaging device 200 transmits the imagingdevice identification code 236 to server 280. The server 280 isconfigured to retrieve the user identification number 238 of the userassociated with the particular imaging device 200 as identified usingthe imaging device's identification code 236. The server 280 returns theuser identification number 238, which is then stored in the memory 230of imaging device 200.

As described previously with reference to process 400, the transduceridentification code 122 is typically stored in memory onboard thetransducer probe and thus, the transducer identification code 122 istypically retrieved from the memory of the transducer probe 100. In someexamples, the transducer identification code 122 may be obtained andstored in accordance with steps 420-435 of process 400. Thus, it will beunderstood, that process 600, optionally includes steps similar to steps420-435 of process 400. In some examples, to retrieve the transduceridentification code 122, the imaging device 200 sends a request to theserver 280 in which the imaging device transmits to the server 280 theuser identification number 238, the imaging device identification code236, or both. The server 280 is configured to generate or retrieve thetransducer identification code 122 based on the identificationinformation provided by the imaging device 200. The server 280 returnsthe transducer identification number 122, which is then stored in thememory of imaging device 200.

Continuing with process 600, the imaging device 200 generates a digitalkey 124 based on the unique user identification number 238, transduceridentification code 122, and imaging device identification code 236, asshow in block 625. The digital key 124 is transmitted to the transducerprobe 100, e.g., via a wired connection between the imaging device 200and the transducer probe 100, and stored in the memory 120 of thetransducer probe 100, as show in block 630.

The digital key 124 in the example in FIG. 6 is a type 2 key, whichenables a limited association between a transducer probe and a subset ofimaging devices from a larger group of imaging devices associated with agiven user. Referring back to FIG. 5, transducer 3 includes a pluralityof stored digital keys 124-c, 124-d which are type 2 keys. The digitalkey 124-c may be based on the user identification code of user 1, thetransducer identification code of transducer 2, and the imaging deviceidentification code of imaging device 1, thus enabling authentication oftransducer 3 with imaging device 1. The digital key 124-d may be basedon the user identification code of user 1, the transducer identificationcode of transducer 2, and the imaging device identification code ofimaging device 2, thus further enabling authentication of transducer 2with imaging device 2. As will be appreciated, the specific number ofimaging devices, transducer probes, users and digital keys illustratedin FIG. 5 are provided only to enable the reader to understand thepresent disclosure and do not limit in any way the number of imagingdevices, transducer probes, users and digital keys that may be includedin embodiments in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 illustrates a verification process 700 according to furtherexample of the present disclosure. In the process 700, a transducerprobe (e.g., transducer probe 100) is authenticated using a type 2 key.The verification process 700 may be implemented in the probeauthentication processor 224 of the imaging device 200. The verificationprocess 700 may include one or more of the steps of verification process300. The verification process 700 may begin after a connection with atransducer probe 100 is detected by the imaging device 200, as shown inblock 705. At block 710, the imaging device identification code 236 andthe user identification number 238 of a user associated with the imagingdevice 200 are retrieved. The imaging device identification code 236 andthe user identification number 238 may be retrieved from memory 230 ofthe imaging device 200. At block 715, the transducer identification code122 of transducer probe 100 is retrieved, e.g., from memory 120 of thetransducer probe 100. At block 720, the imaging device 200 generates atype 2 temporary digital key 252 based on the user identification number234, the imaging device identification code 238, and the transduceridentification code 122. The imaging device 200 retrieves a storeddigital key 124 from the transducer probe 100 and compares the storeddigital key 124 to the temporary digital key 252. Operation of thetransducer probe 100 with imaging device 200 is enabled if the storeddigital key 124 matches the temporary digital key 252. Similar toprocess 300, an alert may be generated if the stored digital key 124does not match the temporary digital key 252. The alert may bedisplayed, stored and/or transmitted to server 280. In examples in whichthe transducer probe 100 stores a plurality of digital keys 124, theimaging device 200 parses through the stored digital keys 124 toidentify a stored digital key that matches the temporary digital key252. If a matching stored digital key is not found in the memory oftransducer probe 100, the process terminates without enabling operationof the transducer probe 100 with imaging device 200.

In various embodiments where components, systems and/or methods areimplemented using a programmable device, such as a computer-based systemor programmable logic, it should be appreciated that the above-describedsystems and methods can be implemented using any of various known orlater developed programming languages, such as “C”, “C++”, “FORTRAN”,Pascal”, “VHDL” and the like.

Accordingly, various storage media, such as magnetic computer disks,optical disks, electronic memories and the like, can be prepared thatcan contain information that can direct a device, such as a computer, toimplement the above-described systems and/or methods. Once anappropriate device has access to the information and programs containedon the storage media, the storage media can provide the information andprograms to the device, thus enabling the device to perform functions ofthe systems and/or methods described herein.

For example, if a computer disk containing appropriate materials, suchas a source file, an object file, an executable file or the like, wereprovided to a computer, the computer could receive the information,appropriately configure itself and perform the functions of the varioussystems and methods outlined in the diagrams and flowcharts above toimplement the various functions. That is, the computer could receivevarious portions of information from the disk relating to differentelements of the above-described systems and/or methods, implement theindividual systems and/or methods and coordinate the functions of theindividual systems and/or methods described above.

In view of this disclosure it is noted that the various methods anddevices described herein can be implemented in hardware, software andfirmware. Further, the various methods and parameters are included byway of example only and not in any limiting sense. In view of thisdisclosure, those of ordinary skill in the art can implement the presentteachings in determining their own techniques and needed equipment toaffect these techniques, while remaining within the scope of theinvention.

Although the present system may have been described with particularreference to an ultrasound imaging system, it is also envisioned thatthe present system can be extended to other medical imaging systemswhere one or more images are obtained in a systematic manner.Accordingly, the present system may be used to obtain and/or recordimage information related to, but not limited to renal, testicular,breast, ovarian, uterine, thyroid, hepatic, lung, musculoskeletal,splenic, cardiac, arterial and vascular systems, as well as otherimaging applications related to ultrasound-guided interventions.Further, the present system may also include one or more programs whichmay be used with conventional imaging systems so that they may providefeatures and advantages of the present system.

Certain additional advantages and features of this invention may beapparent to those skilled in the art upon studying the disclosure, ormay be experienced by persons employing the novel system and method ofthe present invention, chief of which is that a more reliable imageacquisition system and method of operation thereof is provided. Anotheradvantage of the present systems and method is that conventional medicalimage systems can be easily upgraded to incorporate the features andadvantages of the present systems, devices, and methods.

Of course, it is to be appreciated that any one of the above embodimentsor processes may be combined with one or more other embodiments and/orprocesses or be separated and/or performed amongst separate devices ordevice portions in accordance with the present systems, devices andmethods.

Finally, the above-discussion is intended to be merely illustrative ofthe present system and should not be construed as limiting the appendedclaims to any particular embodiment or group of embodiments. Thus, whilethe present system has been described in particular detail withreference to exemplary embodiments, it should also be appreciated thatnumerous modifications and alternative embodiments may be devised bythose having ordinary skill in the art without departing from thebroader and intended spirit and scope of the present system as set forthin the claims that follow. Accordingly, the specification and drawingsare to be regarded in an illustrative manner and are not intended tolimit the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method, comprising: retrieving a useridentification code from a memory of a computing device, wherein theuser identification code is assigned to a user associated with thecomputing device; retrieving a transducer identification code of atransducer probe in communication with the computing device, wherein thetransducer identification code is retrieved from a memory of thetransducer probe; generating a temporary digital key based on the useridentification code and the transducer identification code; retrieving astored digital key from the memory of the transducer probe; directlycomparing the stored digital key with the temporary digital key; andenabling operation of the transducer probe with the computing device if,based on the direct comparison, the stored digital key matches thetemporary digital key.
 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising:deleting the temporary digital key from the computing device followingthe directly comparing.
 3. The method of claim 1, further comprising:deleting the temporary digital key from the computing device when thetransducer probe is disconnected from the computing device, when thecomputing device is powered down, or when execution of an imagingapplication on the computing device is terminated.
 4. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising: generating an alert if the temporarydigital key does not match the stored digital key.
 5. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the directly comparing comprises: verifying anassociation of the transducer probe with the computing device.
 6. Themethod of claim 5, further comprising: generating the association of thetransducer probe with the computing device.
 7. The method of claim 6,wherein the generating the association comprises: retrieving the useridentification code from a server in communication with the computingdevice; storing the user identification code in the memory of thecomputing device; retrieving the transducer identification code of thetransducer probe; generating a digital key based, at least in part, onthe user identification code and the transducer identification code; andtransmitting the digital key to the transducer probe to be stored in thememory of the transducer probe as the stored digital key.
 8. The methodof claim 7, wherein the generating the association comprises:transmitting a request for the transducer identification code to theserver; receiving the transducer identification code from the server;and transmitting the transducer identification code to the transducerprobe to be stored in the memory of the transducer probe.
 9. The methodof claim 7, wherein the generating the association comprises:transmitting a request for the user identification code to the server;receiving the user identification code from the server; and storing theuser identification code in a memory of the computing device.
 10. Themethod of claim 9, wherein the transmitting the request for the useridentification code comprises: transmitting a device identification codeto the server.
 11. The method of claim 7, wherein the generating theassociation comprises: retrieving a device identification codeassociated of the computing device from the memory of the computingdevice; and generating the digital key based further on the deviceidentification code.
 12. The method of claim 7, further comprising:storing the digital key, the temporary digital key, or both, only involatile memory of the computing device.
 13. The method of claim 1,further comprising: storing the stored digital key retrieved from thememory of the transducer probe in the memory of the computing device.14. The method of claim 13, wherein the directly comparing is performedat the computing device.
 15. The method of claim 1, further comprising:generating a digital key; and causing the digital key to be stored onthe transducer probe as the stored digital key.
 16. The method of claim1, further comprising: directly comparing the temporary digital key witha further stored digital key if the temporary digital key does not matchthe stored digital key; and enabling operation of the transducer probewith the computing device if the further stored digital key matches thetemporary digital key, wherein the stored digital key is based on theuser identification code, the transducer identification code, and afirst computing device identification code, and wherein the furtherstored digital key is based on the user identification code, thetransducer identification code, and a second computing deviceidentification code.
 17. The method of claim 1, further comprising:establishing universal serial bus (USB) communication of the transducerprobe with the computing device.
 18. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising: establishing wireless communication of the transducer probewith the computing device.
 19. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising: establishing wireless communication of the computing devicewith a server remote from the computing device and the transducer probe.